News & Events
Professor Brenda Gourley on: Moving Open and Distance Learning to Centre Stage Fifth Geoffrey Hubbard Memorial Lecture
June 25, 2004
Cambridge-based educational charity, the National Extension College (NEC) – one of the UK’s leading independent colleges specialising in distance teaching and learning will be holding the fifth Geoffrey Hubbard memorial lecture, entitled "Moving Open and Distance Learning to Centre Stage". Chaired by Professor Brenda Gourley, Vice Chancellor of the Open University (OU) on Thursday 17th June 2004, 6.00 pm at the British Library, Euston Road, London and sponsored by The Times Educational Supplement (TES).
Professor Gourley will be discussing the Government's 50% target of 18 - 30 year olds having experienced Higher Education, and the necessity of open and distance learning in achieving this goal especially considering the rising numbers in this demographic. She will also look at this aspect of Higher Education internationally.
Professor Gourley says: "When The Open University was established in 1969, many academics and politicians deemed it unworkable. Today, there is scarcely a university in the UK, US or Continental Europe that does not use some of its methods, ideas or materials. It has changed the face of higher education globally and has enabled the 'massification' of university education to reach many people for whom such a benefit would have been unattainable. In the same time it has developed world-leading research and an academic reputation of the highest quality.
Part time life-long learning is a key part of the present and the future and should be recognised as such. The Education Bill passing through the Westminster Parliament has increased funding for universities but provided no more money for part-time students. Given Government targets in increasing participation it is time we challenged the norms. Distance education is centre stage – not a bolt on option."
Alison West, Chief Executive of the National Extension College (NEC) says: "At the National Extension College (NEC), we are delighted that Professor Brenda Gourley of the Open University (OU) is giving our annual lecture. The OU and the NEC were both established over 40 years ago by the social entrepreneur and thinker, Michael Young, and the two organisations share a commitment to education for all. Both the OU and the NEC offer a second chance to many who have not been able, for a variety of reasons, to fit learning into their lives."
Created in 1963 as a pilot study for the OU, NEC’s success means that today they are one of the leading providers of both tutor-supported home study courses and open learning materials for colleges, companies, tutors and trainers. Their courses and resources cover a wide range of subjects from basic and key skills, GCSEs and ‘A’ levels to vocational and professional programmes such as book-keeping, childcare, management and teacher training. They also offer tailor-made work-based learning programmes for a wide range of organisations from small and medium sized businesses to large 'blue chip' companies such as Coca-Cola Enterprises and Cadbury Trebor Bassett.
The Geoffrey Hubbard Memorial Lecture will take place on Thursday 17th June 2004, at the British Library, Euston Road, London. It is being sponsored by the Times Educational Supplement (TES) for the third consecutive year running.
To download a copy of Professor Gourley's speech, please click here
For information about NEC’s fifth Geoffrey Hubbard Memorial Lecture on 17th June 2004, please contact Lynne Lidbury on 01223 400207 or e-mail lynne.lidbury@nec.ac.uk.
For press related queries, please contact NEC's Press Officer Louise Peck on 01223 400213 or e-mail: louise.peck@nec.ac.uk.
Contributed by Louise Peck.